Hughes replaces Marsh for SA tour

Sydney, 2014/Jan/30 04:53:00

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Phillip Hughes has replaced an injured Shaun Marsh in the Australian squad for the tour of South Africa which begins next month. Hughes was overlooked despite a stellar domestic season while Marsh was selected ahead of him after a strong comeback in the Australian team for the ODIs against England.

Hughes' state coaches had been critical of the National Selection Panel and questioned the wisdom behind ignoring Hughes, who had been in top form for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. It was reported that the southpaw had retired to his farm to get over the shock of being ignored again after the Ashes.

Hughes, 25, had made a dream Test debut against South Africa back in February 2009 and impressed with a solid 75 in the second innings after starting off with a duck as Australia won the Johannesburg Test by 162 runs. He then went on to score 115 and 160 in the second Test in Durban, with Australia completing a series victory.

Hughes has had a tough time since and has till date played 26 Tests at a modest average of 32.65 with three centuries and seven fifties.